These Firefighters Were Called To Put Out A Fire—They Became Best Friends With An Elk Instead

Just like humans, animals in nature are in need of companionship and family care. This was especially true for one animal in the woods that would wander around into people’s nearby farms. Around Kittitas County, Washington, there were rumors of a wild animal that was finding their way around in search of pals. One firefighter crew had the pleasure of meeting this four-legged creature and what happened next is unbelievable.

20. Wildfire

Image: Honest To Paws

Firefighters in Kittias County, Washington, were battling off a ferocious wildfire in a nearby wooded area. The battle against the fire lasted a good 24 hours and the firefighters were exhausted. The good news was that they were victorious against the fire.

19. Huge Fire

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The Kittitas County Fire District #7 were proud of themselves for making it out alive and battling the fire so promptly. In fact, the fire had been so bad that many people that were living nearby were actually forced to leave their homes. The fire made its way across 40 acres of land.

18. Chimpanzee Sanctuary

Image: NW News Network

One of the other big reasons that the fire needed to be put out promptly was due to the area’s chimpanzee sanctuary. This meant that hundreds of firefighters had to battle the blaze to efficiently put it out. Helicopters were utilized in order to drop water onto the huge flames from an angle the firefighters on land couldn’t reach.

17. Successful Endeavor

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Thanks to the perseverance of the firefighters the flames were extinguished. Even better, the chimpanzee sanctuary was not harmed at all. Everyone was thrilled at the outcome and happy that everything was taken care of in the Washington woods.

16. Unexpected Story

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Our story really begins, however, as the firefighters were wrapping things up and getting ready to head out. While putting stuff away along Highway 10, an unexpected guest popped in for a surprise visit. The firefighters instantly recognized the four-legged animal.

15. Buttons

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It turns out that the four-legged guest was a well-known elk in the area. The community knew the elk, as she would make her way around their farms, coming by for a quick hello. They’ve all named her “Buttons” and love getting a surprise visit from her.

14. Unharmed

Image: CBS News

The firefighters were relieved to find out that Buttons had not been harmed during the wildfire. She was practically untouched when she approached them all and she was very grateful that they put out the fire. Buttons was so grateful that she decided to show them some love!

13. Some Love

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In photos from the scene, you can clearly see Buttons getting incredibly affectionate with the crew. She walked up to each one of them and reached out to nuzzle them and give some kisses. Could it be possible that Buttons knew that the firefighters were the real heroes of the day?

12. Photographed

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While she was at the scene, Kittitas County Fire District spokeswoman Richelle Risdon snapped some photos of Buttons interacting with the firefighters. She was blown away by just how affectionate the elk was and decided to upload the photos onto her Facebook account. Her post obviously made waves on the Internet.

11. Facebook Post

Image: Honest To Paws

“Staff did not seek her out. She walked into the command post area and began nudging everyone,” Risdon wrote on Facebook. The post was so well received by online users that it was shared and liked by thousands of people. The Internet was going wild over Buttons and her affectionate nature.

10. Sweet Comments

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“She is showing her gratitude to all of the fire fighters who saved her life,” one person wrote under the post. “Animals know and remember kindness and will remember the same!” Buttons’ unique reaction amazed everyone.

9. Keeping Alert

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With the popularity of her post, Risdon hopes that it will help keep Buttons safe from many of the hunters that look for game in the area. She hopes that they will recognize the beloved elk and stay clear of her. Many people online echoed the sentiment.

8. Bright Collar

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In order to help keep Buttons safe, many online users have brought up various suggestions. So she would be instantly recognize some have brought up the idea of placing a bright collar onto the elk. Others brought up different ideas that didn’t involve marking the animal.

7. Local Celebrity

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While Buttons may have received a ton of Internet fame, it’s the local community that has stood by her side since day 1. The community has always recognized her and loved when she made her way around town. They’ve even dubbed her as the “neighborhood mascot.”

6. Many Elks

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It is important to know that the area has a variety of elks that pass by on any given day. Still, the locals always recognize Buttons and immediately know when she is around. “I think everybody in the county knows her,” resident Chane Roghair told the Daily Record.

5. Orphaned

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Many locals have thrown around theories as to why Buttons chooses to stay in the local area without having any real family around. Locals believe that she is an orphan. However, she is never alone! Believe it or not, she is actually quite the social butterfly.

4. Friends

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Buttons is far from being alone and she has made friends with a lot of the local animals. “She showed up here when she was little,” Roghair said. “She adopted the goats and horses as her family, and she just stayed.”

3. Chimpanzee Pals

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Buttons has made the town her permanent home and no one wants to see her go. Her friendly nature has even made her popular with the chimps at the animal sanctuary. She often walks by to say her hello’s to her chimpanzee pals.

2. Her Pets

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“The chimps are like her pets,” the sanctuary’s co-director J.B. Mulcahy told the Daily Record. “She sits and watches. We love having her around.” It seems that everywhere she goes, Buttons happens to make friends along the way. Her wonderful attitude and personality instantly draws in everyone.

1. Wonderful Heart

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It seems that Buttons has a true heart of gold. She attracts friends from all walks of life and the local community is always happy to see her make her rounds through town. “Don’t think she knows she’s an elk. Bless her heart!” one local user commented on the popular Facebook post.